What Is a Business Development Manager and How to Become One

A business development manager (BDM) works to develop business relationships or strategic partnerships on behalf of an organization. They work with existing clients or use their contacts to find and develop sales leads. A business development manager is typically considered a marketing executive that is tasked with facilitating company growth. Career qualifications for a BDM include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business administration as well as marketing or sales experience.

Qualifications for a business development manager (BDM) include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business administration. Other job requirements include prior experience in a sales or marketing position. The MBA is not a substitute for experience. A business development manager works to develop business relationships or strategic partnerships on behalf of an organization. They do this by presenting new opportunities to existing clients or using their contacts to find and develop sales leads.

Qualifications for a business development manager (BDM) include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business administration. Someone pursuing this career typically starts out in the marketing, sales, or human resources department within a company to gain experience. People who work in a specific industry, such as tech, may also have a background in that particular field. The main duties of a business development manager are to develop business relationships or strategic partnerships with existing clients and find new sales leads.

A business development manager (BDM) works to develop business relationships or strategic partnerships on behalf of an organization. This type of marketing focuses on facilitating business growth and opportunities, while a sales manager focuses on generating revenue. Someone in either position may work to create new sales leads and contacts, but a business development manager puts more attention into fostering client relationships. It is not uncommon for a BDM to have prior experience as a sales manager or marketing executive.

A business development manager (BDM) works to develop specific business relationships or strategic partnerships on behalf of an organization, while the function of a marketing department is to create materials that target any clients within certain demographics. A business development manager may use marketing material along with their business contacts to help cultivate sales leads or present opportunities to existing clients. A BDM utilizes sales and marketing, which are both critical components of an organization’s development platform.

Job Summary

The business development manager is in charge of developing business solutions. The main goal is to generate more revenue for the company. They will manage client accounts and come up with new sales ideas. This includes new sales strategies, sales pitches, and business plans.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Brainstorming with the business development team to create new project strategies
• Identifying sales and services that would appeal to new clients
• Managing company and client expectations
• Reviewing timeframes and budgets
• Creating sales pitches
• Executing sales objectives
• Managing client accounts
• Finding and following new sales leads
• Arranging business meetings and one-on-one conversations with prospective clients
• Attending networking events
• Negotiating sales contracts
• Preparing sales contracts; following company rules and guidelines
• Building trust and long-term relationships with clients/customers
• Managing records of sales, revenue, and other important data
• Making professional decisions in a fast-paced environment
• Cultivating positive interactions and relationships with sales representatives, team leaders and managers, and executives to evaluate sales strategy and results
• Motivating team members to exceed expected goals
• Developing ways to improve the customer experience and build brand loyalty
• Researching the market and industry trends

Requirements and Qualifications

• Goal-oriented, organized team player
• Encouraging to team and staff; able to mentor and lead
• Eager to expand the company with new sales, clients, and territories
• Able to analyze data and sales statistics and translate results into better solutions
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Able to multi-task, prioritize, and manage time effectively
• Self-motivated and self-directed
• Experienced at compiling and following strict budgets
• Experienced at preparing and presenting quarterly goals and forecasts for future projects
• Comfortable in both a leadership and team-player role
• Creative problem solver who thrives when presented with a challenge
• Bachelor's degree in business, administration, or related field
• Three to five years of previous experience in sales, management, customer service, finance, administration, or related field
• Demonstrated and proven sales results
• Proficient computer skills, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel)
• Fluent communication in person, on the phone, and in email
• Abide by all non-compete/solicit agreements